Knowing working in rounds is an extremely essential technique to crochet amigurumi. So, learn how to crochet in rounds with this step-by-step tutorial for beginners.
It is a technique used to create circular flat pieces such as hats, doilies, and amigurumi toys. Unlike crocheting in rows, where you turn the piece at each end, working in rounds involves continuous circular passes without turning, allowing for the creation of a seamless tube shape.
So, follow through with this tutorial formed by learning from Kay Krochets guide.
Starting Working in Rounds
The process of crocheting in rounds begins with making a magic circle, which the tutor acknowledges can be intimidating but is necessary for starting rounds. Here are the steps broken down:
Making a Magic Circle
- Lay the yarn end across two fingers to start and wrap it around to form an 'X'.
- Use a crochet hook to pull the bottom strand through the loop created on your fingers to form a circle.
- Secure the circle by pulling both the tail and the working yarn, which is the yarn fed from the skein.
First Chain (Chaining One)
After forming the magic circle, create a chain stitch to start the first round. This involves yarning over (laying the yarn over the hook) and pulling through the loop.
Single Crochet Stitches into the Circle
- Insert the hook into the circle, yarn over, and pull the yarn through the circle, creating two loops on the hook.
Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. - Repeat this step until you have the desired number of stitches in the circle. In the tutorial, nine single crochets are made.
Completing the First Round
- To complete the round, you may need to count your stitches to ensure accuracy and then perform a slip stitch into the first single crochet.
- This involves inserting the hook into the first stitch, yarning over, pulling through the stitch, and immediately pulling through the loop on your hook.
Proceeding with Additional Rounds
Starting from the second round, you begin to increase the number of stitches to keep the work flat. The tutor explains the concept of increasing:
Second Round: Double the number of stitches by making two single crochets in each stitch around (for instance, eighteen stitches if you start with nine).
Subsequent Rounds: Increase sequentially to maintain a flat circle. For example, you can increase every second stitch in the third round and every third stitch in the fourth round, etc., following a specific sequence to gradually expand the circle’s circumference.
This tutorial methodically covers how to start and continue crocheting in rounds, making it a valuable resource for crocheters looking to enhance their skills in creating rounded crochet items. The provided tips and step-by-step instructions aim to ensure successful and enjoyable crocheting.
Important Tips for Working in Rounds
While crocheting a round, you must follow these tips:
- It is crucial to keep consistent tension on the yarn to ensure even stitches and avoid a warped circle.
- Always count your stitches as errors in counting can lead to an uneven circle.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round, especially as the work grows. This helps in keeping track of the rounds.
- The size of the hook and the type of yarn should be compatible to achieve the desired texture and tightness in the stitches.
Final Thoughts
Circles are fundamental shapes in crochet and mastering them through this technique of working in rounds can open up possibilities for various crochet projects. The tutor encourages practice and patience, especially for beginners, as getting comfortable with managing rounds might take some time.
Leave a Reply